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Back to topOctober 2019
Everywhere you look there are tales of the strange and mysterious. Midwestern Strange: Hunting Monsters, Martians, and the Weird in Flyover Country by B.J. Hollars is another addition to the list of stories. From the supernatural to the extraterrestrial there is a story or casefile in this book which includes searches for Monsters, Martians and the Weird. In each casefile, Hollars puts together stories through his yearlong investigation which includes a few pictures of the creatures.
While this book may be about the creatures, there is also a focus on the people who are telling the stories and how they have changed the areas that are surrounding the myths. For example once small towns are now on the maps for tourists searching for a glimpse of something strange and with that their own story to tell. While nothing may be confirmed nor denied in this book, it leaves it up to the reader’s judgement as it explores those who choose to chase and tell the story, but also those who are skeptical.
Hollars writing overall was approachable and at sometimes witty. There are also some interesting introspection as to if truth is really stranger than fiction. While some of the information can be too much at one time and can seem like it drags, but this means that this is a book made to read and revisit from time to time to see what information jumps out on your next read through.
Midwestern Strange: Hunting Monsters, Martians, and the Weird in Flyover Country is for those who live in the Midwest consider picking up this book to find out what mysteries could live right around the corner. This book is also for those who enjoy a good mystery or stories with a paranormal twist.
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On the surface this book may seem to be just about Adam Gordon, but The Topeka School by Ben Lerner is an interesting book filled to the brim with a variety of different topics that are complicated but interconnected as this book follows three main characters with three vastly different perspectives.
We are first introduced to Adam Gordon who is debate champion and is the top student at Topeka High School, and we follow him throughout the book as he struggles to maintain the persona of a real man rather than being seen as weak. The perspective soon shifts to Jane, a famous feminist author and Adam’s mother, and Jonathan, a well-known psychologist and Adam’s father. This book feels like more of a series of interviews with each character giving their own unique voice.
While this book is told by various viewpoints and also spans different time periods, the book is able to touch on many different topics that are prevalent in current day, such as toxic masculinity and the effect is has today, infidelity, and others.
While at times the writing can be overly long, as there is little dialogue and the text that is there is mostly mental, this book can be a struggle and is not for everyone. For those interested, this book may be best as a marathon rather than a sprint.
Recommended read for fans of The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud, The Nix by Nathan Hill, or Underworld by Don DeLillo.
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We Speak in Storms by Natalie Lund is story that explores what it truly means to belong. In this story, Mercer, Illinois, was struck by tragedy when a tornado tore through the town which led to a generation being wiped out. When another tornado, more than 50 years later, tears through the small town, old and new wounds are brought to the surface. This book follows three teens as they not only try to find a place to belong, but also find themselves with help from the past.
The story is told in 4 different points of view. Brenna doesn’t fit in anywhere as she is having issues with her ex-boyfriend, her mom, or her Mexican family. Brenna struggles with feeling that she will never be enough for any of them. Joshua is an overweight, gay teen who is isolated at school and at home who escapes through his drawing. Callie is struggling with her mother dying and a future without her in it. The last voice that fills the story are the voices of the dead who are reaching out to the three teens. The way the past is presented is poetic and tragically beautiful as they are given a voice which is overflowing with emotion.
Natalie Lund weaves together a story that explores friendship, acceptance, and learning to let go. She also manages to weave a story of legacy through the past to the present, because no one ever truly knows what will happen when we are gone. Natalie Lund has written a truly haunting and beautiful story.
If you enjoy books that explore finding the place you belong and the friends you make along the way, if you enjoy finding out the secrets of the past, or if you are looking for your own place to belong try looking here.
Kao Kalia Yang's words are poetry. This autobiographical children's picture book follows a year in the life of the young Hmong girl Paj Ntaub (pronounced Ba Ndao) as she moves into a new home, experiences the birth of twin brothers and the death of a neighbor, and connects with the plants and creatures all around. Beautifully illustrated be Seo Kim, this is a heartfelt book perfect for exploring concepts of a changing world, different cultures, and communication.
If you enjoyed Yang's previous memoirs, The Latehomecomer and The Song Poet or Niko Draws a Feeling by Bob Raczka, Infinity and Me by Kate Hosford, Joy in Mudville by Bob Raczka you should add A Map Into the World to your repertoire.
